We’ve got something big to celebrate as we launch our new Bristol campus for our Music and Events courses.
We’re so excited to be bringing nearly 30 years of experience in creative education to a brand-new campus built within a venue steeped in creative history.
As part of our celebration, we’re going to take a deep dive into the history of ACC in Bristol and the building that houses our new campus. Take a seat, grab a brew and let’s dig in.
What is the history of music in Bristol?
Bristol boasts a vibrant musical history that has cemented its status as one of the UK’s most influential cities for music and culture. Its roots in the industry stretch back to the 18th century with the popularity of sea shanties and folk music, echoing the city’s maritime heritage. Fast forward to the 20th century, Bristol became synonymous with innovation in sound, giving birth to globally celebrated genres like trip-hop, also known as the Bristol Sound.
The late 1980s and early 1990s saw Bristol become a melting pot of creativity, producing iconic acts such as Massive Attack, Portishead, and Tricky. These artists not only put Bristol on the map but also defined a genre that combined hip-hop, electronica, and soul, influencing generations of musicians. Alongside trip-hop, Bristol has a thriving drum and bass scene, championed by pioneers like Roni Size and DJ Krust, whose Mercury Prize-winning work in the 1990s showcased the city’s innovative spirit.
Beyond electronic music, Bristol has long supported a diverse selection of genres, from punk and reggae to indie and rock. Venues like the Colston Hall (now the Bristol Beacon), Thekla, and of course, the Bierkeller, have played a vital role in nurturing grassroots talent while hosting some of the world’s biggest acts.
This enduring legacy of musical excellence makes Bristol the perfect home for Access Creative College’s new campus. Nestled in the heart of this iconic city, our students are poised to draw inspiration from Bristol’s past while contributing to its dynamic musical future.
Is Bristol a creative hub?
Bristol is a thriving hub for creativity, recognised as the largest centre for creativity in South West England and home to such famed names as Banksy, Massive Attack and Aardman, the animation studio behind Wallace and Gromit. When ACC first arrived in Bristol over 20 years ago, we knew we’d chosen one of the best places in the UK to work with the next generation of creative minds.
Based initially in Hengrove, we fell in love with the Bristol Bierkeller, took it over and got busy building a purpose-built, state-of-the-art campus.
The Bierkeller is one of Bristol’s most legendary venues, as well as one of the oldest nightclubs in Bristol and was a big loss to Bristol when it sadly closed in 2018. Over the years, the Bierkeller hosted Nirvana for their first UK gig, Slipknot, The Stone Roses, Arctic Monkeys and even theatre productions. For years, this 400-capacity venue situated just off Broadmead has seen grassroots and massive acts on their way up the ladder and that heritage is one of the key reasons why we knew it was the perfect place to build our new campus. Just like the people of Bristol, we’re excited for this incredible space to come back. Where better for the next generation of musicians and event producers to get hands-on and master their craft?
What’s next for ACC Bristol?
As we continue to expand the campus and welcome more courses and more students in, we’ll be doing so with Bristol’s creative future in mind and building on the history of the campus and our own experience by ensuring we are a centre for the development of grassroots creatives into full-fledged professionals. Moulding the talent pipeline is at the forefront of what we do and we make sure our students are equipped with the skills they need to flourish in their careers.
